Thursday, May 4, 2017

Beginning of Water Conservation Period

The District’s Water Conservation
Period starts Monday, May 1st and extends through the end of September— the
time when water use is at its peak.

Since
January 2016, groundwater levels in the District have been above drought
thresholds. Recent wet weather has helped augment water supplies, but
there is still a need to conserve water resources. The last drought
proved that surface water and groundwater resources are precious and
limited. Water conservation through the summer months can help us delay
and/or avoid another drought situation.

Starting
on May 1st, Austin Water Utility restricts outdoor watering to no more than
twice per week, and the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District
initiates a voluntary 10% reduction in groundwater pumping by its
permittees. Though the approaches are different, the goal is the
same—prolong water availability throughout the hottest and driest portion of
the year.

John
Dupnik, Aquifer District General Manager notes, “Through being mindful of smart
water use during the hot summer months, a little effort by individual
end-users, when multiplied across central Texas, can do a great amount of
good.”

“Our
groundwater users are traditionally very conscious of water use. Simple
leak fixes and water conservation choices can add up to make a big difference
in extending our long-term water supply,” states Robin Gary, Senior Public
Information and Education Coordinator.

Drought Rules

Either Barton Springs OR the Lovelady Well can trigger a drought declaration by the Board. However, BOTH Barton Springs AND the Lovelady Well must be above their respective drought trigger levels to exit a drought declaration.